Stun grenade and method for production thereof

ABSTRACT

A stun grenade for repelling or defending against threats, and to a method for assembling the stun grenade. For this purpose, the main bodies of the stun grenades are produced separately from the flash charge containers. The flash charge containers are designed as at least one container for this purpose, which can be filled with at least one effect charge via an opening. The flash charge containers are then closed water-tight. The main bodies of the stun grenades can likewise be produced separately and comprise at least one cut-out for inserting the flash charge containers into the stun grenade. Thus, in case of use, the stun grenades can be assembled by mounting at least one flash charge container in the main body.

This nonprovisional application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2017/064155, which was filed on Jun. 9, 2017, and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2016 111 947.4, which was filed in Germany on Jun. 30, 2016, and which are both herein incorporated by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a stun grenade for repelling or defending against threats, and a method for assembling the stun grenade. Such stun grenades are used, amongst other things, for support during police and military operations. They can be designed as a throwing body or else as a projectile. Therefore, they can be ignited manually or semi-automatically, possibly also with a time delay.

Description of the Background Art

A stun grenade comprises a main body with a corresponding ignition device and at least one effect charge, which can be ignited by the ignition device. Ignition devices of this type are sufficiently well known and disclosed, for example, in WO 2012/069120 A1, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 9,016,205, which is incorporated by reference herein. In the event of automatic ignition, this ignition device can be ignited under remote control or time control.

The ignition device comprises a delay charge or ignition charge, which burns up following the ignition and therefore likewise causes a burn-up in the effect charge. The effect charges comprise, for example, blinding charges, flash charges or detonating charges, so that the effect charges trigger acoustic and/or optical effects as they burn.

For this purpose, for example, DE 199 44 486 C2, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,139, describes a stun grenade for manual ignition, having a plurality of recesses extending substantially parallel to the mid-axis of the body which accommodate effect charges, which are ignited with a time delay.

DE 10 2010 052 209 A1 describes a stun grenade having working chambers aligned with one another and having effect charges which are ignited centrally by an ignition charge.

In stun grenades from the prior art, assembly requires effort. The effect charges have to be closed in a watertight manner here in order that they function satisfactorily when used and optimum burn-up is ensured. In addition, the chambers having the effect charges have to be plugged in order that, during burn-up, a pressure can build up in the interior in order to produce the acoustic effects, such as a detonation effect.

For this purpose, the chambers having the effect charges are designed as holes in the stun grenade and, after being filled, are closed with cardboard disks and then bonded. This bonding is normally achieved by so-called photo-bonding, wherein an adhesive curing by UV light is used, which is subsequently irradiated with UV light in order to cure. To fill and close the effect chambers, for this purpose the stun grenade has to be held in a specific position, specifically such that the filling for the effect chambers can be put in. The position must then be maintained for the curing period of the adhesive.

Thus, the filling and bonding of the stun grenades is relatively time-consuming, and the effect charges cannot themselves be made and stored separately from the stun grenade.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stun grenade in which the assembly times are optimized.

The aforementioned object is achieved by the features of the main claim, wherein a stun grenade is configured with a main body, in which at least one recess is provided to accommodate a container for the effect charges, of what is known as the flash charge container. Likewise, the main body contains an ignition device in order to ignite the stun grenade and therefore also the flash charge container.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flash charge containers are produced separately from the main bodies of the stun grenades and also stored separately therefrom. This dispenses with keeping the stun grenades in a specific position during bonding of the stun grenade. A further advantage of the present invention is in avoiding the formation of fragments when igniting the flash charge container. In conventional stun grenades, fragments are formed by the fact that the adhesive and the cardboard disks which are used in conventional stun grenades are expelled as they burn up and represent a risk of injury.

The flash charge container is designed as a separate container, into which at least one effect charge can be inserted. Such a container is configured to be watertight in order to prevent the penetration of water and thus the effect charge becoming ineffective.

Suitable as an ignition device are mechanical or manual devices and also automatic ignition methods in which the ignition device can be ignited electrically or chemically, by time fuses or under remote control.

The effect charge in the flash charge containers can cause optical and/or acoustic effects here, wherein this is done by burning up the effect charge. For this purpose, the flash charge container in which the effect charge is located is configured such that, following the introduction into the recess in the stun grenade, it can be ignited by the latter by means of the ignition device. For this purpose, the flash charge container preferably has an ignition possibility by means of which it can be ignited via the ignition device in the stun grenade. For example, the ignition device of the flash charge bowl can be made of combustible material in order to be ignited directly. For this purpose, the container of the effect charge itself can also be made of combustible material in order to ensure the ignition possibility. The ignition possibility can, however, also include merely a transfer of heat from the ignition device of the stun grenade to the effect charge.

The flash charge container can have at least one opening, through which the effect charge can be inserted into the flash charge container. This enables automatic filling of the flash charge container. In order to ensure the water-tightness of the flash charge container, the flash charge container in a special embodiment is closed by a cover and/or attachment which, following filling, produces the water-tightness. Here, coverings, stickers or encapsulations can be used as an attachment. A diaphragm, through which the flash charge container is filled and which seals off the flash charge container is likewise conceivable. Likewise, to produce the water-tightness, the flash charge container can be formed of a bowl which is closed by a cover following filling. The upper side of the bowl then represents the opening. As a result of the watertight configuration of the flash charge container, it is thus possible to store the same separately from the main body of the stun grenade until assembly in the event of use.

The flash charge container can be configured as a single bowl as a container or as a coherent unit comprising multiple bowls as containers. In the latter case, the container of the flash charge container then includes multiple bowls joined together as containers.

If the flash charge containers are then made as individual containers, they are preferably closed with a cover and/or attachment following filling, as described above. If the flash charge container is formed of a coherent unit of multiple containers, these multiple containers are connected to form a unit. This means that they are non-detachably connected mechanically to one another, for example by adhesive bonding, welding or by a common baseplate, from which the individual containers of the unit can be filled.

The various containers of the unit are filled with different effect charges, so that different acoustic and/or optical effects are produced simultaneously upon ignition. In a further preferred embodiment, the containers are made with different volumes, so that the different effect charges cause different effect times.

By using one or more delay charges in the ignition device, it is likewise conceivable to ignite different effect charges at different times, in order to bring about a different starting time of the individual effects.

Until use and thus until the final assembly of the stun grenade, the flash charge containers produced in this way can be stored separately from the main body of the stun grenade, which can likewise be produced separately. This effects faster assembly times and thus reduced production costs.

Before the use of the stun grenade, the necessary flash charge containers are inserted into the recesses in the main body. For this purpose, recesses for individual flash charge containers can be provided in the main body of the stun grenade, as well as recesses for multiple flash charge containers which are implemented as a unit. Likewise, a combination of the two is conceivable.

The recesses in the main body of the stun grenade can be implemented radially outward, so that the flash charge containers are inserted laterally into the main body. This is preferably proposed in the case of individual flash charge containers or as axial insertion, which is proposed for flash charge containers as a unit of multiple containers.

Likewise proposed is a method according to the invention for assembling the stun grenade. Here, the main bodies of the stun grenades are produced separately from the flash charge containers, and the flash charge containers can then be filled with the effect charges separately from the main bodies. This has the advantage that the production of the main bodies and also the production of flash charge containers can be carried out in a time-optimized manner, since the previous time-consuming filling method for the stun grenades and the subsequent bonding are dispensed with.

Given the separately produced main bodies of the stun grenades and of the flash charge containers, these can be stored separately from one another. Finally assembly is then done only in the event of use, by inserting the flash charge containers into the recesses of the stun grenade.

The individual flash charge containers can then be filled separately from the main bodies by inserting effect charges into the flash charge containers. What is important here is that the flash charge containers are configured to be watertight, in order to ensure functionality even after relatively long storage. The fact that the ignition device and possibly the ignition delay is arranged in the main body of the stun grenade means that the storage time of the flash charge containers is prolonged. Likewise, the filling of the flash charge containers is simplified.

The flash charge containers are filled through the opening of the flash charge container, which is either self-closing, for example by means of a diaphragm or by the subsequent attachment of covers and/or attachments to the flash charge containers. For this purpose, the cover can, for example, be pressed on, pushed on or attached to the flash charge container by latching connections. Appropriate attachments can likewise ensure the water-tightness of the flash charge containers by means of adhesive or by encapsulating the flash charge container.

In the event of use, the prefabricated and already filled flash charge containers can be inserted into the corresponding recesses in the main body of the stun grenades. The introduction of the flash charge containers into the recesses can be done by means of a force fit and/or by a latching, so that the flash charge containers are held in the recesses. A further possibility of holding the flash charge containers in the recesses is that the flash charge containers can be inserted into recesses applied radially to the main body, and then a sleeve being applied over the main body by means of a press fit, so that the flash charge containers are held in their recesses.

In order to ensure acoustic effects, it is necessary that the flash charge containers are equipped with appropriate plugging, so that a build-up of pressure is ensured as the flash charge containers burn up. This plugging can either be done by the aforementioned pressing of an outer sleeve onto the main body of the stun grenade. In the event that the flash charge containers are inserted axially into the main body, however, a closing element can also be used here, which closes the base surface through which the flash charge containers have been inserted into their recesses. This closure by the closing element can also be done by means of a press fit or else by latching. In this way, plugging of the flash charge containers is likewise ensured.

By inserting the flash charge containers into the appropriate recesses in the main body of the stun grenade and subsequently pressing the main body into a sleeve, or by attaching the closing element, the water-tightness of the entire stun grenade is likewise ensured. It is thus possible to use the stun grenade directly following the method for final assembly according to the invention, or else to continue to store the same.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a flash charge container according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cover of a flash charge container;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a coherent unit of a flash charge container with corresponding cover;

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a stun grenade according to the invention having radially arranged recesses for the flash charge containers; and

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a stun grenade according to the invention having axially arranged recesses for the flash charge containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a bowl as an unclosed flash charge container 10 according to the invention as a separate container, which has an opening 11 toward the upper side. Through this opening 11, the flash charge container 10 can be filled with an effect charge. It is likewise possible to put multiple effect charges into a flash charge container 10. In this case, multiple effects can be triggered with a time offset as a flash charge container 10 burns up.

The flash charge containers 10 are produced separately from the main bodies 22 of the stun grenades 20 and can also be stored separately from the main bodies 22 of the stun grenades 20 until final assembly in the event of use.

FIG. 2 shows a cover 12 according to the invention for sealing off the flash charge container 10. Here, the flash charge container comprises a bowl and a cover. Following filling of the bowl with the effect charges, said bowl is closed in a watertight manner by a cover 12. The water-tightness is a precondition that, following storage, the function of the flash charge container 10 is ensured in the event of use.

As an alternative to the sealing by means of a cover 12, the flash charge containers 10 can also be closed by means of attachments, such as stickers by means of adhesive tape. It is merely important that a watertight closure of the flash charge container 10 is ensured.

FIG. 3 shows a unit comprising multiple containers 13, which together represent the open flash charge container 10. This embodiment of a flash charge container 10 as a coherent unit comprising multiple containers 13 has the advantage that various effect charges can be put into the individual containers 13. In this way, not only is time-offset activation of different effect charges possible, but also simultaneous activation. Here, by means of containers 13 with different volumes, the respective effect duration can be controlled.

The unit of the multiple containers 13 as flash charge containers 10 must also be closed in a watertight manner for storage. This is done in FIG. 3 by means of the cover 12 illustrated. The latter can be done by pressing or by latching possibilities on the flash charge container 10, by means of which the opening 10 through which the individual containers 13 of the flash charge container 10 are filled is closed.

The embodiments according to the invention from FIGS. 1 and 3 can be filled with the appropriate effect charge or the appropriate effect charges following their production, and stored separately from the main bodies 22 of the stun grenades 20. The main bodies 22 of the stun grenades 20 can be produced and likewise stored separately from the flash charge containers 10.

In the event of use, for the final assembly the necessary flash charge containers 10 are inserted into the corresponding recesses 21 in the main bodies 22 of the stun grenades 20. In FIG. 4, by way of example, radial introduction of flash charge containers 10 into the recesses 21 provided radially for this purpose is shown.

The introduction of the flash charge containers 10 into the corresponding recesses 21 can be done here via latching connections or clamping connections. It is likewise possible, following the introduction of the flash charge containers 10, to press a sleeve 24 into the main body 22, which sleeve holds the flash charge containers 10 in the recesses 21. The application of the sleeve 24 ensures plugging of the flash charge containers 10, which is intended to ensure a build-up of pressure in the flash charge containers 10 in order to be able to implement acoustic effects. Such a build-up in pressure is likewise made possible in that, as a result of attaching a cover 12, the flash charge containers 10 are themselves plugged. In this case, the application of the sleeve 24 can be dispensed with.

An ignition device 23 ensures that the stun grenade 20 is ignited. For this purpose, use can be made of a lever. However, electrical or chemical ignition devices can also be comprised by the ignition device 23. Following the ignition of the ignition device 23, this ensures, by burning up, that the flash charge containers 21 are likewise ignited. The ignition device 23 can contain at least one delay charge for this purpose. The ignition device 23 ignites the effect charge of the flash charge containers 10 without additional ignition devices in the flash charge containers 10.

FIG. 5 shows an axial introduction of the flash charge containers 10 into corresponding recesses 21. Here, the flash charge containers 10 are inserted into the corresponding recesses 21 from a base surface of the main body 22. This is the preferred introduction of the flash charge containers 10 into the main body 22 of the stun grenade 20 when the flash charge container 10 is configured as a coherent unit of multiple containers 13.

Here, the flash charge containers 10 are pushed axially into the corresponding recesses 21 and then the base surface through which the flash charge containers 10 have been pushed into the recesses 21 is closed by means of a closing element 25. As a result of the attachment of the closing element 25, it is again ensured that plugging of the flash charge container 10 takes place. Here, too, once more the flash charge container 10 can be configured in such a way that it is plugged from the start. In this case, the introduction of the closing element 25 is no longer absolutely necessary.

Such a closing element 25 can likewise be attached by latching connections or press fits. A further advantage resulting from the use of a closing element 25 or a pressed-on sleeve 24 resides in the fact that the stun grenade 20 itself can be closed in a watertight manner. This is important if, following the final assembly, the finally assembled stun grenade 20 is to be stored further for a long time.

The present invention is not restricted to the aforementioned features, instead further embodiments are conceivable. Thus, the main body can have radial and axial recesses, the flash charge containers can have a different shape, such as spherical or conical, or the ignition device of the stun grenade can have one or more delay charges, in order to ignite one or more flash charge containers at different times.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims: 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stun grenade comprising: a main body; and an ignition device having at least one recess in the main body, which can accommodate a flash charge container, wherein the flash charge container is a separate container, wherein the flash charge container contains at least one effect charge, wherein the flash charge container is configured to be watertight, and wherein the flash charge container is configured to be heat-permeable and/or combustible to be able to ignite the effect charge by the ignition device.
 2. The stun grenade as claimed in claim 1, wherein the effect charge causes optical and/or acoustic effects by burn-up.
 3. The stun grenade as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flash charge container is designed as an individual container or is designed as a coherent unit of multiple containers.
 4. The stun grenade as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flash charge container has at least one opening through which the effect charge is insertable into the flash charge container.
 5. The stun grenade as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening is adapted to be closed by a cover and/or attachment.
 6. The stun grenade as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cover of the flash charge container and the flash charge container are produced from combustible material, paperboard and/or plastic.
 7. The stun grenade as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flash charge container comprises containers of different volume.
 8. The stun grenade as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flash charge container is held in the recess by force fit and/or a latching.
 9. The stun grenade as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flash charge container is held and pressed in its recess by a sleeve.
 10. A method for assembling the stun grenade as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising: producing separately the main body from the flash charge containers; filling the flash charge containers with the effect charges separately from the main bodies; inserting the flash charge containers into the recess only when required.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flash charge containers are closed by covers and/or attachments following filling.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein, following the introduction of the flash charge containers into their recesses, the main body is pressed into a sleeve such that plugging of the flash charge containers is ensured.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein, following the introduction of the flash charge containers into their recesses, the main body is closed by a closing element such that plugging of the flash charge containers is ensured.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein by pressing into the sleeve or by attaching the closing element, the stun grenade is closed in a watertight manner. 